The Australian Drug Foundation (ADF) hopes at least 10,000 Australians will participate in an Australian-first confidential online survey, as part of a major social research program to better understand drug-driving and contribute to public debate on this topical issue.

The online survey is now live at www.drugdriving.org.au and the ADF urges all Australians – whether they have any experience of drugs or not – to participate and have their say by completing the anonymous, 10 minute survey.

Dr Jane Mallick, Director of the ADF’s Centre for Youth Drug Studies, said the study targets a wide cross-section of people from across Australia, including those who use drugs and those who do not. She said the web-based survey would enable the researchers to collect data from a large number of respondents and provide valuable insights into Australian’s attitudes and experiences with respect to drugs and driving.

“We hope the community will get behind this research by completing the online survey, so that we can make a very meaningful contribution to the road safety of all Australians,” Dr Mallick said.

“Drug-driving has become an increasingly widespread social concern, with more State Governments turning to random roadside drug testing as an enforcement measure – these tests largely focus on illicit drugs such as cannabis, speed and ecstasy.

“As well as examining Australians’ attitudes and behaviour concerning illicit drugs and driving, importantly our research will focus on the lesser-known area of prescription drugs, as well as the prevalence of poly-drug use – for example, people’s propensity to mix alcohol and drugs with driving.

“Research to date suggests Australian drivers are increasingly prepared to risk their lives, and the lives of other road users, by driving while impaired by drugs. However, there is little information available as to why people think it is safe to use drugs and drive,” Dr Mallick said.

The study, due for completion in April 2007, is being conducted by the ADF and Turning Point Alcohol & Drug Centre, with funding from leading insurer AAMI, and comprises three parts:

A comprehensive review of available Australian and international research on drugs and driving;
a series of in-depth interviews with key experts in road safety and drug prevention; and
an anonymous online internet survey that is open to the public.

The Victorian Department of Human Services Human Research Ethics Committee has approved the survey.

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